What are the main factors that influence a Control Tower Operator's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

What are the highest paying states for a Control Tower Operator?

Control Tower Operator salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Control Tower Operator roles are District of Columbia $54,492, California $54,285, Massachusetts $53,562. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Control Tower Operator roles make?

Salaries for Control Tower Operator level roles vary by specialization: Pest Control Operator: $91,522; Control Operator: $80,863; Ballast Control Operator: $60,646; Solids Control Operator: $58,158; Network Control Operator: $54,919.

Control Tower Operator Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Control Tower Operator make in District of Columbia?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Control Tower Operator in District of Columbia is $54,492 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.

However, a Control Tower Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $67,763
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $51,506 to $61,439
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $48,787

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Control Tower Operator Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$61,439	$5,120	$1,182	$30
Average	$54,492	$4,541	$1,048	$26
25th Percentile	$51,506	$4,292	$991	$25

You may get higher pay by adjusting the following factors:

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Key Factors That Influence Control Tower Operator Salaries

A Control Tower Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Control Tower Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Control Tower Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $54,492.
California: $54,285.
Massachusetts: $53,562.

District of Columbia $54,492 California $54,285 Massachusetts $53,562 Washington $53,365 New Jersey $53,345 Alaska $53,276 Connecticut $52,597 New York $52,322

Hawaii $51,441 Rhode Island $51,027 Maryland $50,747 Minnesota $50,363 Colorado $50,215 Illinois $50,166 Oregon $49,979 Delaware $49,841

New Hampshire $49,755 Virginia $49,561 Pennsylvania $48,995 Nevada $48,709 North Dakota $48,616 Michigan $48,468 Wisconsin $48,414 Vermont $48,306

Texas $48,005 Maine $47,986 Arizona $47,956 Ohio $47,922 Georgia $47,469 Indiana $47,243 Wyoming $47,198 Utah $47,129

Iowa $47,100 Kansas $46,864 Louisiana $46,795 North Carolina $46,770 Missouri $46,760 Florida $46,568 Montana $46,465 Nebraska $46,366

Kentucky $46,312 South Carolina $46,115 Tennessee $45,992 Idaho $45,943 New Mexico $45,584 Oklahoma $45,505 Alabama $45,215 South Dakota $44,728

Arkansas $44,462 West Virginia $44,319 Mississippi $43,891

Top Paying Cities for Control Tower Operators

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

Parcel Return Service: $54,492
Washington: $54,492
Naval Anacost Annex: $54,492

Parcel Return Service, DC $54,492 Washington, DC $54,492 Naval Anacost Annex, DC $54,492 Washington Navy Yard, DC $54,492

Control Tower Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Control Tower Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on April 01, 2026

$51,506

Average $54,492/year

$61,439

$4,292

Average $4,541/month

$5,120

$991

Average $1,048/week

$1,182

$25

Average $26/hour

$30

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$61,439	$5,120	$1,182	$30
Average	$54,492	$4,541	$1,048	$26
25th Percentile	$51,506	$4,292	$991	$25

Salaries of jobs related to Control Tower Operator

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